How to Brush a Dog With Short Hair

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How to Brush a Dog With Short Hair

Medium

10 - 30 Minutes

1 Day

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Introduction

Your short haired dog might shed a lot more than some may think. Sure, you don’t find massive clumps of long fur around your house, but these short hairs still fall off your dog and drop onto your furniture or on your clothing. Your short haired dog will still need to be brushed out for better control of shedding. Though regular baths will help ease the amount of shedding your short-haired dog will drop, you will still need to brush him on a regular basis to keep the mess to a minimum.

Dog's Perspective

If you brush your short-haired dog regularly, he should be used to the act of brushing. Be aware of the kind of brush you are using. A slicker brush might tickle or even massage your pup, but some may prefer a rubber brush or one without pokey bristles. Don’t forget the treat to reward your pup after bushing.

The Know Your Brushes Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Pin Brush

Flea Comb

Comb

Step

Bristle brushes

A bristle brush is for brushing all over your dog’s body. Be sure to brush in the direction the fur grows from head to tail.

Step

Slicker brush

A slicker brush can scratch your short-haired dog, but in a way he’ll likely enjoy. This brush has lots of thin metal bristles, which are great for removing loose hairs and de-shedding. Just be careful not to push too hard using a slicker brush because you could scratch your pup’s skin.

Step

Flea comb

A flea comb is not only great for fleas. Just as they pick up fleas, they can also pick up loose short hairs. Flea combs are perfect for short haired dogs because you can use them to rid your dog’s coat of loose fur easily before it falls off around your home.

Step

Rubber brush

Rubber bristles distribute your dog’s natural oils the coat needs to prevent drying and unnecessary shedding. Rubber brushes are great for your short-haired dog’s bath time too. You can easily massage suds into the fur and skin with a rubber brush.

Step

Rubber glove brush

You can use a glove brush on your short-haired dog for brushing while petting or for bath time. Your dog’s short hair will stick to these gloves, making de-shedding easy for your short-haired pup. Rubber brush gloves are also great for massaging your dog.

Step

Rake

If you choose to brush your short-haired dog with a rake brush, be sure to get one with comb teeth that are close together. A rake brush with wide teeth will not remove any excess fur or help with shedding. But a fine-toothed rake comb or brush will lift loose fur as well as smooth out the rest of the coat.

Step

Pin brush

A pin brush is not effective for short haired dogs. It is the most popular brush sold for dogs, but seems to be only effective with fluffy dogs who are already well groomed and tangle-free.

The Daily Brushing Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Pin Brush

Flea Comb

Comb

Step

Daily

Your short haired dog should be brushed every day. You can use brushes, gloves, or cloths to help remove the day’s loose fur. The more wiry your dog’s hair, the more daily brushing will be necessary.

Step

Bath

When you give your short-haired dog a bath, do so only when necessary. Unless visually dirty or stinky, short-haired dogs only need to be bathed about once a month. Some can go even longer if they are not playing in areas that make them dirty.

Step

Brush before bath

Use a rubber bristle brush or glove to remove any loose fur before bathing. Washing your dog will help to remove more fur, but brushing before the bath removes more and also distributes skin oils into the fur.

Step

Dampen fur

Use a wet brush or a damp cloth to dampen your dog’s short fur. This will help the brush stick to the fur grabbing anything that is loose. Brushing a dog with short fur is easier when the fur is slightly damp.

Step

Rubber brush

Your dog’s rubber brush is used first after baths or as the first brushing before adding finishing touches. This rubber brush will remove dirt, debris, and loose fur from the surface of your dog’s coat. When you are brushing your dog’s short fur, inspect his skin for any parasites or skin conditions.

Step

Rake or wire brush

After the rubber brush grooming, use a soft bristle wire brush or fine tooth rake and brush in the opposite direction to remove any dead skin or excess fur.

Step

Comb

Use a fine-toothed comb to brush your short-haired dog’s tail and paws.

Step

Grooming glove

If you have a rubber grooming glove, give your short-haired dog one last brushing using the glove. This will help the bring out the sheen of his coat. Take this opportunity to pet and love on your dog after a quick brushing.

Caution & Considerations

Your dog’s short hair can be moisturized with natural oils from his skin when you brush him on a regular basis.
If your dog’s fur is wiry or dry, daily brushings will help distribute oils into the fur, giving the short hair a natural shine and sleek look.
Your short haired dog’s fur might brush better if damp. You do not need to give him a bath each time, just use a damp cloth to moisten the fur for an easier and more effective brushing.
There are many brushes available for dogs. Be sure you know your dog’s fur type and pick the best brush for him based on his needs.
To make your dog’s short fur have even extra shine, you can end your brushing session with a small amount of conditioner. Just rub this into your dog’s fur and brush out to distribute the conditioner. Do not use too much as it will make your dog’s fur appear too heavy and dull.
You do not have to own various brushes to care for your short-haired dog, but do make sure the ones you own work for your dog’s short fur.

Conclusion

Your short-haired pup might be easier to care for than those higher maintenance fluffy pups, but don’t get in the doghouse by ignoring his brushing needs. Use petting moments as opportunities for affection and grooming and keep your short-haired pup looking fur-tastic.

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

Grooming Questions & Answers

Question

Riley

Shepherd mix

4 Years

0 found helpful

Question

0 found helpful

Riley

Shepherd mix

4 Years

This dog sheds like crazy, especially at this time of year, and I don’t know what kind of tools would be good to remove all his dead fur. Any tips?

3 years, 9 months ago

Riley's Owner

Darlene Stott

Dog Trainer and Groomer

0 Dog owners recommended

Hello, I always recommend that people use the brush that works for them, meaning one they like and are willing to use often. That is the key to keepng on top of shedding season - brushing often. Even a quick session every day, targeting a certain area of the dog makes it seem like a less daunting process. I personally like the slicker brush and the rubber curry brush. A pin brush also works well, depending on your dog's coat. Don't brush with too much pressure and be careful around tender areas, and moles or lumps. You can also try a coat spray - it helps the brush to glide through the fur more easily. Be careful to not spray near Riley's face. So, really the best advice is to brush daily during shedding season (tackling a certain area each time if that works best) to stay ahead of the fur. Good luck!

3 years, 9 months ago

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Question

Jazzy

American Staffordshire Terrier

6 Months

0 found helpful

Question

0 found helpful

Jazzy

American Staffordshire Terrier

6 Months

Can I use vitamin E on my dogs coat after brushing?

3 years, 6 months ago

Jazzy's Owner

Darlene Stott

Dog Trainer and Groomer

0 Dog owners recommended

Hello, with Jazzy being only 6 months old, it is best to check with your vet. I have heard of people using dog-safe shampoo containing Vitamin E, and your vet may even carry it. I know that some people will put the oil from Vitamin E capsules on dry areas on the skin, with a vet's approval. Good luck!

3 years, 6 months ago